Australian singer Cody Simpson has encountered an unexpected setback in his music career, revealing on Monday, May 11, that he has suffered “a serious hemorrhage” on one of his vocal cords. This injury necessitates medical treatment and strict vocal rest to prevent further damage, even as he continues work on his upcoming album.

Simpson shared his diagnosis in a selfie from what appeared to be a doctor’s office, explaining that he initially intended to keep the matter private but felt it was time to share his struggle. He was diagnosed with the hemorrhage just over a month prior, learning it was caused by his “overzealousness in the studio singing through a sinus infection” he was unaware of. Believing it was mere fatigue, he persisted in recording until he could no longer sing.

The condition has since led to weeks of intermittent vocal rest, resulting in the cancellation of several scheduled TV and radio performances. This has also impeded his ability to promote his new single, “Baby Blue,” released in March, and to complete and refine the remaining singles for his forthcoming album. Simpson has recently been prescribed an additional two weeks of complete silence, hoping to avoid surgery which would entail a significantly longer recovery period.

Despite the constraints, Simpson remains committed to his music. He has returned to the studio, working strictly as a lyricist on mute with his collaborators, and developing vocal melodies on his guitar, which he intends to record with his voice once he is medically cleared. Emphasizing his determination with the phrase, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he now plans to openly share his recovery process with his fans.

This musical impediment comes as Simpson was actively working on his next project, following his self-titled fourth studio album released in 2022. That period marked his four-year pursuit of competitive swimming, during which he qualified for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Australian Olympic Trials, before announcing his retirement from the sport. In March, BMG announced a new partnership with Range Music to release Simpson’s future work, with Simpson expressing his renewed enthusiasm for music, stating he only wanted to return if he could “have the best time ever everyday.”